Search

Improving the innovation quality of manufacturing companies has currently received increasing attention in the transformation from "Made in China" to "Created in China". Equity restriction is now one of the most talked about issues in China's corporate governance structures, but we have a limited understanding of the impact of equity restriction on innovation quality. This paper empirically analyzes the relationship and intrinsic mechanism between equity restriction and innovation quality using all A-share listed manufacturing companies in China from 2007 to 2021 as the research sample. First, the Tobit regression model is used to analyze the impact of equity restriction on innovation quality, and the Heckman two-stage model is used for the endogenous test. Then, the three-step regression model with mediating effects is used to validate the intrinsic mechanism of equity restriction to promote innovation quality from two paths, namely equity incentives and R&D investment. The research results show that equity restriction has a significant positive impact on innovation quality; equity incentives and R&D investment play a mediating role between equity restriction and innovation quality. This paper enriches the research on the influencing factors of innovation quality and provides a theoretical basis based on equity restriction for the transformation of manufacturing towards high-quality innovation, and explores the intrinsic mechanisms by which equity restriction affects innovation quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid development of various wearable generators to harvest energy from human activity, they are limited to single or intermittent power generation. Here, stretchable and washable energy harvesting fabric is reported, which enables biomechanical and biochemical generation through co‐weaving triboelectric generator (TEG) and perspiration electric generator (PEG)‐based fibers. The two energy harvesting approaches can work individually or simultaneously, thereby combating humidity and increasing the electrical output. The maximum output power density of TEG‐ and PEG‐based fibers can achieve 166 and 5.4 µW cm−2, respectively. The woven‐structured patch‐type energy harvester is conformable with clothing. It can harvest energy from human movements and sweat to drive the wearable Internet of Things (IoT) without charging systems. This synergistic and complementary energy harvester can provide a viable standalone power source relying solely on human activity for wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent article published in this journal (Finkelstein 2020, PEQ 152, 85–93), newly published data on Level V at Tel Lachish was criticized. This new data indicates that Level V was a fortified city and that radiometric dating places its construction in the last quarter of the 10th century bce. This date is in accordance with the biblical tradition describing the fortification of Lachish during the reign of King Rehoboam of the Kingdom of Judah in the last quarter of the 10th century bce (2 Chr 11:5–12). In the past, various scholars have proposed dating the list of Rehoboam's fortification to the reigns of later kings: Hezekiah, Josiah or even John Hyrcanus I. It is thus not surprising that Israel Finkelstein, an advocate of a later date, attempts to refute this new archaeological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: perspiration electric generator-based fibers; triboelectric generator-based fibers; wearable energy harvesting; woven-structured energy harvesters EN perspiration electric generator-based fibers triboelectric generator-based fibers wearable energy harvesting woven-structured energy harvesters 1 1 1 07/31/23 20230727 NES 230727 B Dual Energy Harvesting Fabrics b In article number 2300530, Ji-Soo Jang, Hyun-Cheol Song, and co-workers demonstrate a dual energy harvesting fabric that enables bio-physicochemical generation through the co-weaving of triboelectric generator- and perspiration electric generator-based fibers. Perspiration electric generator-based fibers, triboelectric generator-based fibers, wearable energy harvesting, woven-structured energy harvesters The fabric harvests energy not only from human movement but also from sweat to power wearable IoT devices and exhibits remarkable washing durability. [Extracted from the article]

The water leakage in an underground space cannot easily be repaired owing to the characteristics of the underground space, which not only causes continuous inconvenience to the apartment residents but also facilitates condensation. Thus, the effects of different waterproofing methods in underground spaces on changes in temperature and humidity should be quantitatively studied to establish strong measures for the condensation issue. In this study, two types of specimens were produced separately by dividing the waterproofing materials applied to underground structures into exterior and interior waterproofing construction methods; thereafter, changes in the temperature and humidity inside the specimens were observed. The test results of the evaluation regarding condensation in underground structures indicated that when exterior waterproofing materials are applied, thermal insulation maintains a steady interior temperature and keeps the humidity at an appropriate level, thereby preventing the creation of an environment conducive to the occurrence of condensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of ad hoc routing protocols of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) have been proposed and evaluated based on mobile ad hoc network (MANET) routing protocols. Although a large number of routing protocols have been developed in MANET, the VANET has different environments such as highly dynamic topology, frequently disconnected network, hard delay constraints for safety-related application, and various communications environments (e.g., highway or urban traffic scenarios). Therefore, development of a suitable routing protocol that considers these characteristics of VANET should be needed. In this paper we suggest the improved distance-based VANET routing protocol compared with the previous researches on urban traffic environments. We apply approaches to packet-collisions avoidance scheme in the intersection and to stable route decision scheme based on the adaptive waiting time. The performance is then evaluated under simulation which is implemented with the Manhattan urban traffic model. The results show the improved performance as compared with the previous researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rapid and highly sensitive chiral sensing technique was developed for the chiral discrimination of mandelic acid (MA) using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) modified with an amide-type S-MA derivative. After the modification, the response difference when exposed to the target R-MA and S-MA was measured using a low concentration range from 10μM to 3mM combined with a novel analysis technique. For the given target concentrations, the chiral discrimination factor between S-MA and R-MA was 5.7 when using the normal frequency measurement. Remarkably, the novel sensing technique produced a chiral discrimination factor up to 9.4 based on an additional parameter at the same experimental condition. In addition, the interaction properties between the enantiomers and the chiral selector were investigated in detail using the F–R model. The main advantages of the novel sensing technique are that it is based on a real-time technique, requires a short detection time, and is highly sensitive within a 10–300μM concentration range. In particular, the excellent sensitivity for a low target concentration was because the novel analysis method revealed the mechanical difference of the intermolecular binding properties between the target enantiomers and the selector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The crystal agglomeration of Ni/Co/Mn hydroxide (NCM hydroxide) in a continuous Couette–Taylor (CT) crystallizer was experimentally studied. The NCM hydroxide crystals produced by the reaction crystallization were simultaneously coagulated to form agglomerate particles via the consecutive steps of physical adhesion of the crystals and molecular growth. Thus, the hydrodynamic conditions and supersaturation profile in the CT crystallizer were the most critical influencing parameters determining the agglomerate particle size and shape. The particle size was reduced when increasing the rotation speed of the inner cylinder in the CT crystallizer, as enhancing the intensity of the Taylor vortex broke and re-dispersed the physically adhered crystals. In addition, a high Taylor vortex changed the irregularly shaped agglomerate particles into spherical ones. The supersaturation profile in the CT crystallizer was prolonged when increasing the mean residence time and decreasing the feed concentration, thereby enlarging the particle size. Similarly, a chelating reaction also prolonged the supersaturation profile in the CT crystallizer, resulting in a larger particle size. In the agglomeration, the individual crystals created a hexagonal system stacked on the (001) face, meaning that the particles were mostly covered by the (101) face. In general, under the tested operating conditions, the CT crystallizer was able to produce agglomerate particles that were narrowly distributed and smaller than 5μm in size within 10min of the mean residence time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sonication and turbulent agitation were used to investigate the mechanism of crystal aggregation and agglomeration during the reaction crystallization of cerium carbonate. Aggregation and agglomeration occurred simultaneously during the crystallization, thus the product suspension included both crystal aggregates and agglomerates. As crystal aggregation involves the physical adhesion of crystals, the particle size changed sensitively according to the sonication energy and agitation speed during the crystallization. In contrast, since crystal agglomeration is based on molecular growth following crystal aggregation, the agglomerates were strong enough to resist the acoustic impact of the sonication and turbulent shear of the agitation during the crystallization. Thus, the crystal aggregates in the product suspension were completely re-dispersed by an acoustic after-treatment of 30W for 20min. Acoustic after-treatment was also used to determine the agglomerate size and estimate the degree of aggregation of the product suspension. As a result, sonication above 60W was found to be adequate to prevent any aggregation or agglomeration during the crystallization, regardless of the agitation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Core–shell particles of SiO2/ZrO2 were developed using a sol–gel process. Spherical core particles of SiO2, 320nm in diameter, were initially prepared using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), and then uniformly shelled with ZrO2 nano-particles synthesized with zirconium(IV) butoxide (TBOZ). The deposition of ZrO2 nano-particles on the SiO2 core particles was generally promoted when increasing the H2O and TBOZ concentrations and temperature of the sol–gel process. However, micron-sized homo-aggregates of ZrO2 were formed above certain concentrations of H2O and TBOZ due to self-aggregation of the nano-ZrO2 particles. It was very interesting to discover that a chemical bonding between zirconium and silicon bridged by oxygen (Si–O–Zr bond) was developed during the formation of the ZrO2 shell around the core particles, as the silane groups on the core particles were condensed with zirconium hydroxyl groups during the deposition of ZrO2. XPS and FT-IR confirmed the chemical bonding of Si–O–Zr in the core–shell particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the control of hydroxyl groups, one of key factors determining the surface properties of silica particles synthesized by the sol-precipitation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Thus, a thermal gravity analysis (TGA) was used to facilitate quantitative measurements of the hydroxyl groups on the silica particles, while BET and FT-IR were used to analyze the specific surface area and functional silane groups on the silica particles, respectively. In the sol-precipitation process, silanes that include various hydroxyl groups are formed as intermediates based on the hydrolysis and condensation of TEOS. Thus, NH3, as a basic catalyst initiating the nucleophilic substitution of TEOS, was found to accelerate the hydrolysis and increase the hydroxyl group content on the silica particles. Plus, the hydroxyl group content was also increased when increasing the concentrations of TEOS and water as the hydrolysis reactants. However, the hydroxyl group content was reduced when increasing the temperature, due to the promotion of condensation. Based on the weight loss of the particles according to the thermal analysis, the hydroxyl group content on the silica particles varied from 5.6–42.7OH/nm2 under the above reaction conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A method of designing solvents for the optimal extraction of bio-active ingredients from natural resources was developed using an alcohol–water binary solvent. The target bio-active ingredient of polyphenols, anti-oxidation and anti-tyrosinase ingredients exhibited different dependency of extraction efficiency on the alcohol species (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and i-propanol) and composition of binary solvent. Using the solubility parameter, the extraction efficiency of the bio-active ingredients was correlated with the solvent polarity. As a result, the optimal solvent polarities for the extraction of polyphenols, anti-oxidation and anti-tyrosinase ingredients were predicted as 38.5, 37.33, and 33.0 [MPa1/2], respectively. These predictions also agreed well with the optimal solvent conditions of the water–alcohol mixtures depending on the alcohol species and composition. Plus, the correlation was confirmed with model solvents designed using other solvent species, including acetone and ethylene glycol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To obtain large-sized, monodispersed spherical particles of silica by sol precipitation, a seed particle growth method was attempted. The formation of secondary particles during seed particle growth causing a multimodal distribution of particle size was suppressed via fine adjustment of the reaction conditions, such as TEOS, ammonia, and water concentrations, as well as operational conditions such as feeding time and agitation speed. Among the reaction conditions, an increase of TEOS concentration promoted secondary particle formation, resulting in bimodal particle distribution. However, secondary particle formation was depressed with increasing ammonia and water concentrations. In addition, long feeding time (low feed flow rate) and rigorous agitation significantly reduced secondary particle formation because they contributed to the slow generation of supersaturation and rapid seed particle growth, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An investigation of mechanism that the surface crystals forming on the mother crystal of NaF in the course of the solution crystallization was attempted by using the additive molecules and excess species of reactants(NaOH and NH 4 F)in NaF crystallization. Based on the mechanism, it was supposed that the surface crystal formation was dictated by the interfacial supersaturation on the crystal, which was determined the bulk diffusion and surface integration of the molecular growth process. As the surface integration was inhibited or the bulk diffusion was facilitated, the interfacial supersaturation was improved, the surface crystal formation. Thereby, the population of the surface crystal was found to increase as increasing the reactant concentration and agitation speed, which promoted the bulk diffusion. Similarly, as surface integration was retarded by the ionic additives of NaOH, NH 4 F and KCl, the surface crystal formation was facilitated due to the interfacial supersaturation increased. However, it was found that the surface crystal formation was suppressed by the NH 4 OH was added in the crystallization because of relaxation effect of NH 4 OH on compact adsorption of NaOH on the crystals. Those experimental results of additives and excess species effects were consistent with the mechanism of the surface crystal formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive molecules and excess reactant species (NaOH and NH4F) in NaF crystallization were used to control surface crystal formation on a mother crystal. When the surface integration was inhibited or bulk diffusion facilitated, more surface crystals were found on the mother crystal due to an increase in the interfacial supersaturation on the crystal. The inclusion of KCl as an additive and increases in the reactant concentration and agitation speed resulted in a higher population of surface crystals on the mother crystal, because surface integration was inhibited. However, surface crystal formation was suppressed by the polymer gelatin due to retardation of the bulk diffusion by the gelatin layer formed around the crystal. In addition, surface crystal formation significantly changed according to the feeding mode, and the excess species of NaOH originating from the NH4F feeding mode were more effective in facilitating surface crystal formation than the excess species of NH4F coming from the NaOH feeding mode due to the smaller ionic radii of NaOH than of NH4F. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microwave characteristics and the microstructures of 0.88Al2O3–0.12TiO2 with various amounts of MgO–CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 (MCAS) glass sintered at different temperatures have been investigated. The sintering temperature can be lowered to 1300 °C by the addition of MCAS glass. The densities, dielectric constants (ϵr) and quality values (Q×f) of the MCAS-added 0.88Al2O3–0.12TiO2 ceramics decrease with the increase of MCAS glass content. The temperature coefficients of the resonant frequency (τf) are shifted to more negative values as the MCAS content or the sintering temperatures increase. The change of the crystalline phases of Al2TiO5 phase and rutile-TiO2 phase has profound effects on the microwave dielectric properties of the MCAS-added Al2O3–TiO2 ceramics. As sintered at 1250 °C, 0.88Al2O3–0.12TiO2 ceramics with 2 wt.% MCAS glass addition exists a ϵr value of 8.63, a Q×f value of 9578 and a τf value of +5 ppm/°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report an unexplained anemia that persisted for 4 months in a renal transplant patient who was receiving immunosuppression therapy that included prednisolone, tacrolimus and azathioprine. A bone marrow biopsy demonstrated pure erythroid hypoplasia and occasional giant pronormoblasts with intranuclear inclusions, characteristic of a parvovirus B19 infection. Both the serum and bone marrow cells were positive by parvovirus B19 DNA PCR. The anemia resolved 6 weeks after the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Four months later, anemia redeveloped and IVIG was infused again. Hemoglobin levels were, however, still subnormal after 1 month of treatment and tacrolimus was then switched to cyclosporin A, resulting in a clear improvement. A parvovirus B19 infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of renal transplant recipients who present with anemia associated with a low reticulocyte count. Tacrolimus may possibly impair the clearance of a parvovirus B19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress is known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Many studies have demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has beneficial effects on oxidation injury in postmenopausal women with normal renal function. In this study, we examined the effects of HRT on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in postmenopausal hemodialysis women. METHODS: We randomly assigned 70 postmenopausal women on maintenance hemodialysis into either a HRT group or a control group. Oral conjugated estrogen (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg) was given daily for 12 weeks in HRT group. Plasma MDA, TAC, albumin, uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before, 4 and 12 weeks after the start of medication in the HRT group. In the control group, the same parameters were measured without HRT. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline values between the two groups. In the control group (n = 32), all these parameters showed no change at 4 and 12 weeks. HRT decreased MDA from 1.32 (0.55–1.88) µM to 1.08 (0.44–1.50) µM (p<0.001) at 4 weeks and to 1.11 (0.50–1.37) µM (p<0.001) at 12 weeks (n = 33). TAC was not changed at 4 weeks, however, it decreased from 1.59 (1.27–2.00) mM to 1.45 (1.08–1.65) mM (p<0.05) at 12 weeks. The albumin, uric acid and CRP levels were not changed significantly after HRT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HRT has a favorable effect on oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with ESRD as in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minoxidil is the most widely used treatment for hair growth, but has been associated with several side effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 on hair loss prevention and regrowth using human dermal papilla cells and male C57BL/6 mice. To examine the effects of EF-2001, we used minoxidil as the positive control. In the in vitro experiments, EF-2001 treatment (75–500 μg/mL) led to the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In the in vivo experiment, the topical application of 200 µL EF-2001 on the dorsal surface of C57BL/6 male mice led to hair growth. Changes in hair regrowth were examined by visual comparison and hematoxylin and eosin staining of skin sections. We also determined the expression levels of marker genes (Wnt) and growth factors (fibroblast growth factor, insulin growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in the skin tissues of the back of each mouse using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. EF-2001 accelerated the progression of hair regrowth in mice and promoted hair-follicle conversion from telogen to anagen, likely by increasing the expression levels of growth factors and marker genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surface molecular imprinting technique was applied for fabricating a porous aromatic gas sensing structure on the surface of a quartz crystal chip. A modified layer by layer process between poly (sodium, styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) in the presence of aromatic compounds was carefully performed to obtain firm and selective films. In the obtained films, two functional areas of the phenyl rings in PSS molecules and hydrophilic static charge interaction sites between PSS and PAH were worked as sensing principles in the gas sensor applications. In the toluene or phenol imprinted film condition, the sensitivities reached to 0.1 ppm and 6.6 ppb (LOD) for the toluene and the phenol gases, and the selectivity value of the phenol to the toluene reached to 67 with our standard. The obtained selectivity and sensitivity were explainable by the nature of the film components and the surface molecular imprint effect. The sub-min level reset time was normally obtained in these measurements. • A surface molecular imprinting based aromatic gas sensor was successfully fabricated on quartz crystals. • The selectivity of the sensor was influenced both the film nature and the imprinting materials. • Both the selectivity and the sensitivity were controllable by the film fabrication architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the frequency of diabetic gastroparesis and associated risk factors in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients who underwent assessments of solid gastric emptying time (GET) by technetium-99 m scintigraphy between May 2019 and December 2020. We categorized patients into three groups according to gastric retention of technetium-99 m: rapid (< 65% at 1 h or < 20% at 2 h), normal (≤60% at 2 h and/or ≤ 10% at 4 h), and delayed (> 60% at 2 h and/or > 10% at 4 h). Results: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were more likely to show abnormal GET than those without DM (119 [70.8%] vs. 16 [44.4%]). The mean glycated A1c was 10.3% in DM patients. DM patients with normal GET were significantly younger (57.2 years, P = 0.044) than those with delayed (65.0 years) or rapid GET (60.2 years). Fasting glucose levels were the lowest in the normal GET group and the highest in the rapid GET group (delayed: 176.3 mg/dL, normal: 151.2 mg/dL, rapid: 181.0 mg/dL, P = 0.030). However, glycated A1c was not significantly different among the delayed, normal, and rapid GET groups in patients with DM. Patients with delayed and rapid GET showed a higher frequency of retinopathy (6.0 vs. 15.5%, P = 0.001) and peripheral neuropathy (11.3 vs. 24.4%, P = 0.001) than those with normal GET. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, retinopathy demonstrated a positive association with delayed GET, while nephropathy showed a significant negative correlation. Conclusion: DM gastroparesis in the clinical setting was not uncommon. Abnormal GET, including delayed and rapid GET, was associated with DM retinopathy or peripheral neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The risk, cost, and adverse outcomes associated with packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with cardiopulmonary failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have raised concerns regarding the overutilization of RBC products. It is, therefore, necessary to establish optimal transfusion criteria and protocols for patients supported with ECMO. The goal of this study was to establish specific criteria for RBC transfusions in patients undergoing ECMO. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Stanford University Hospital. Data on RBC utilization during the entire hospital stay were obtained, which included patients aged ≥18 years who received ECMO support between 1 January 2017, and 30 June 2020 (n = 281). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: Hemoglobin (HGB) levels >10 g/dL before transfusion did not improve in-hospital survival. Therefore, we revised the HGB threshold to ≤10 g/dL to guide transfusion in patients undergoing ECMO. To validate this intervention, we prospectively compared the pre- and post-intervention cohorts for in-hospital mortality. Post-intervention analyses found 100% compliance for all eligible records and a decrease in the requirement for RBC transfusion by 1.2 units per patient without affecting the mortality. Conclusions: As an institution-driven value-based approach to guide transfusion in patients undergoing ECMO, we lowered the threshold HGB level. Validation of this revised intervention demonstrated excellent compliance and reduced the need for RBC transfusion while maintaining the clinical outcome. Our findings can help reform value-based healthcare in this cohort while maintaining the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A periodic nano-porous surface on quartz crystal electrodes was carefully fabricated for increasing the mass-sensitive areas. Detailed porous structures were prepared by analyzing Au electrochemical reduction process of PS layer coated quartz crystals. The sensitivity measurement of the porous quartz crystals was performed with several traditional methods, and an optimized reduction time for higher sensitivity was determined. The frequency shift of the nano-porous quartz crystals showed 10 times bigger change with the same concentration of target solutions in self-assembly procedures. In the procedures, the freshly increased surface portion did not produce additional molecular slip-effects on the measured resonant resistance values, thus, the periodic porous chips showed another side merit for the mass sensor applications. We propose a possible use of the current porous surface as a platform for developing other high-performance sensors and analyses. A periodic nano-porous surface on quartz crystal electrodes was carefully fabricated for increasing the mass-sensitive areas. Detailed porous structures were prepared by analyzing Au electrochemical reduction process of PS layer coated quartz crystals. The sensitivity measurement of the porous quartz crystals was performed with several traditional methods, and an optimized reduction time for higher sensitivity was determined. The frequency shift of the nano-porous quartz crystals showed 10 times bigger change with the same concentration of target solutions in self-assembly procedures. In the procedures, the freshly increased surface portion did not produce additional molecular slip-effects on the measured resonant resistance values, thus, the periodic porous chips showed another side merit for the mass sensor applications. We propose a possible use of the current porous surface as a platform for developing other high-performance sensors and analyses. Image 1 • The mechanism for the PSB templated electrochemical gold deposition is clarified. • The increased gold areas did not show the sensitivity decrease done by the molecular-slip effect. • The self-assembly of 3-APTES showed 10-fold bigger frequency changes than a normal commercial quartz crystal. • A novel application of the fabricated chip was suggested for readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: We aimed to demonstrate the effects of pitvastatin therapy on the serum levels of total adiponectin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin in type 2 diabetes and the correlation with insulin sensitivity. (2) Methods: This study was designed as an open-labelled randomized trial. Patients with diabetes who were prescribed pitavastatin therapy were enrolled and randomized to either treatment with 2 mg of pitavastatin once daily (n = 44) (PITA group) or diet and exercise only, except their antidiabetic medications (n = 49), for 24 weeks. (3) Results: In lipid profiles, the reduction in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly increased in the PITA group (TC; 207.5 ± 20 vs. 195.5 ± 30.0 ng/dL, p < 0.001, LDL-C; 132.0 ± 15.8 vs. 123.1 ± 25.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Adiponectin and HMW adiponectin were elevated in the PITA group, compared to the control group without significance. The PITA group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β levels. However, there was no significance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.5921 -at 12 weeks and p = 0.3645 at 24 weeks; HOMA-β; p = 0.8915 at 12 weeks and p = 0.7313 in 6 months). (4) Conclusions: The present study did not show a significant change in serum adiponectin or HMW adiponectin from baseline in serum adiponectin following pitavastatin therapy. Although statin has been considered as a risk for dysglycemia, pitavastatin did not affect insulin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel molecularly imprinted conducting polymer (MICP) system with porous thin films of electropolymerized polypyrrole (Ppy) derivatives was successfully developed to detect a specific target molecule (e.g. theophylline). The porous MICP films grown on gold pore arrays through cyclic voltammetry showed increased sensing response in detecting theophylline compared to a conventional planar MICP film due to its improved sensing capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lavendustin A and hormothamnione were reported to exhibit cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines. In the present studies, a series of chromone-based lavendustin analogs were synthesized as a simplified hybrid of hormothamnione and lavendustin A by the reductive-amination of formyl-chromone 5 with various amines followed by aminoalkylation. Most compounds synthesized showed significantly improved potencies compared to the standard compound 3 against most of cancer cell lines tested indicating that the removal of styryl group enhanced cancer cell growth inhibitory activities. Compound 4h and 4k showed the most potent inhibitory activities with GI50 values in the range of 6.01–9.92 μg/ml on A-549 and HCT-15 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A mechanistic study of the chiral resolution of mandelic acid by diastereomeric crystallization with L-phenylalanine as the resolving agent was performed. Also, the efficiency of the resolving agent for chiral separation was evaluated. The carboxyl and amine groups of L-phenylalanine were hydrogen-bonded with the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of mandelic acid for the preferential formation of a complex of L-mandelic acid-L-phenylalanine due to the stereo-configurations of the functional groups, and crystallized out as diastereomeric salt. As a result, L-mandelic acid was enriched up to 85% in the resulting diastereomeric crystals. Moreover, the chiral purity of the diastereomeric crystals depended on the molar ratio of mandelic acid to L-phenylalanine in the solution. With molar ratios ranging from 0.7 to 6.0, the purity of L-mandelic acid in the diastereomeric crystals was improved when increasing the molar ratio, while the molecular ratio of mandelic acid to L-phenylalanine in the diastereomeric crystals remained at 1:1. However, outside this range, there was no chiral separation of mandelic acid, and only racemic crystals of mandelic acid were produced. In addition, XRD and DSC analyses revealed that the structure of the resulting diastereomeric crystals was identical with that of pure L-mandelic acid-L-phenylalanine crystals. Therefore, it was concluded that L-mandelic acid was the template for the diastereomeric crystals, while D-mandelic acid was incorporated in the crystals as an impurity in a solid solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study presents a new method for the highly selective recognition of chiral mandelic acid (MA) using l-phenylalanine (l-Phe) as the selector. The proposed method is based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) detection, integrated with a vapor diffused molecular assembly (VDMA) reaction technique. The construction of the l-Phe-modified QCM sensor involved a two-step assembly procedure. The chiral recognizability of l- and d-MA on the l-Phe-modified surface was then examined using the VDMA method and QCM. The chiral discrimination factor between l- and d-MA detected by QCM, α l-MA/d-MA, was found to be about 8. The VDMA selective sensing of l-MA on the l-Phe-modified surface was also confirmed by the contact angle measurements. The l-Phe-modified QCM sensor showed good stability and reusability. The present chiral recognition results suggest that l-phe is an excellent resolving agent for the resolution of chiral mandelic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using β-glucosidase to hydrolyze glycosides into aglycones, the present study attempted to improve the bio-activity of the extract from mulberry leaves. When varying the ethanol fraction, pH, and temperature of the extract, the optimum conditions for the enzyme reaction were identified as a 10% ethanol fraction in the extract, pH 5.0, and 40°C temperature. Under these optimum conditions, the enzyme reaction produced a remarkable increase in the anti-oxidation and tyrosinase inhibition activities of the extract by as much as 219.5% and 230.9%, respectively. This improved bio-activity of the extract was due to the hydrolysis of the glycoside polyphenols rutin, isoquercitrin, and astragalin into the aglycone polyphenols quercetin and kaempferol. Furthermore, the enzymatic hydrolysis of the extract by β-glucosidase also produced some additional benefits that are critical factors for the skin absorption of bio-active ingredients, including an improved hydrophobicity (239.41%) and reduced mean molecular weight (from 387.3 to 291.4), resulting in a significantly enhanced skin permeability (513%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate serum adiponectin levels and organization into multimers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and assess relationships between adiponectin, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance.Design: In vivo and in vitro study.Setting: Outpatient clinic at university and Veterans hospitals in the United States and university laboratory.Patient(s): Thirty-one obese women with PCOS and six age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normal cycling control subjects.Intervention(s): All subjects studied in the fasting state.Main Outcome Measure(s): A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp, circulating adiponectin levels, adipocyte adiponectin content, and organization of adiponectin into multimeric forms.Result(s): Whole body insulin action (glucose disposal rate, 5.61 +/- 2.90 vs. 8.79 +/- 0.81 mg/kg/min, PCOS and control) and adiponectin levels (9.5 +/- 0.7 7 vs. 17.4 +/- 1 microg/mL, PCOS vs. control) were significantly reduced in the subjects with PCOS. There were significant correlations between glucose tolerance, insulin action, and circulating adiponectin levels in all subjects. The content of adiponectin protein was reduced in subcutaneous adipocytes from subjects with PCOS (252 +/- 31 vs. 388 +/- 58 arbitrary units/10 microg protein). Subjects with PCOS had less of their circulating adiponectin organized into high molecular weight (HMW) multimeric complexes. Glucose-intolerant subjects with PCOS also had less intracellular HMW adiponectin.Conclusion(s): Both circulating adiponectin levels and the portion present as the most active HMW form are reduced in PCOS, with differences related to the degree of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2-Styrylchromones, which are relatively scarce in nature, have been reported to possess potent cytotoxicities on KB cell line. Lavendustin A, a metabolite of Streptomyces griseolavendus, has been shown to inhibit a growth of A431 cell line. Accordingly, a series of compounds 3a–g having structural features of styrylchromones and lavendustin A were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity using SRB assay on four tumor cell lines. Compounds 3a–g were synthesized by the condensation of 2-methylchromone derivative 7 with several aromatic aldehydes. Among synthesized, compound 3e showed the significant cytotoxic activity on HCT-15 cell line with IC50 values of 7.17 μg/ml indicating that lavendustin A derivatives containing 2-arylethenylchromone ring have a potential in anti-tumor application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high-sensitive sensor that uses an oligopeptide and a piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was developed for detection of low molecular weight compounds under aqueous condition. Porphyrin 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphine (TMpyP) and a porphyrin binding peptide (HASYS) obtained from a phage library were used as the target compound and the target binding material, respectively. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of the peptide on the gold electrode surface of quartz crystal (9 MHz, AT-cut) was formed to capture the porphyrin. To achieve ng/ml level detection, we developed a novel sensitization technique using latex beads on which the same porphyrin binding peptide was immobilized. The detection sensitivity of the peptide-immobilized QCM sensor could be improved by addition of the peptide-immobilized latex beads to the detection system. The detection limit was 10 ng/ml of TMpyP. The mass sensitization was achieved by adsorption of the latex beads onto the QCM surface via sandwich binding of porphyrin. This technique would be applicable for any detection system that uses a peptide obtained by combinatorial screening. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. As skeletal muscle is one of main targets of thyroid hormone signalling, an association of thyroid function and muscle strength could be expected. The aim of study is to evaluate the association of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) with upper limb muscle strength, measured by hand grip strength, in subjects with normal FT4 from national representative data. The study utilized the sixth edition of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. After exclusion of subjects with FT4 level out of normal range, a history of thyroid disease or cerebral disease, restricted activity, and incomplete data, a total of 3503 were recruited (age range 19–80 years, 51% male). FT4 positively correlated with upper limb muscle strength (β coefficient = −12.84, p < 0.001), while TSH did negatively (β coefficient = −0.37, p = 0.002). After adjusting for confounding factors, statistical significance disappeared. However, among subjects with BMI above 23 kg/m2, a negative correlation of TSH with upper limb muscle strength was found in a younger age group (19–39 years old) (β coefficient = −0.56, p = 0.021), while FT4 positively correlated with upper limb muscle strength (β coefficient = 3.24, p = 0.019) in an older group (above 40 years old). In overweight and obese subjects, a significant association of thyroid function with upper limb muscle strength was observed in nation-wide representative data. High TSH in a younger group and low FT4 in an older group could be risk factors for decreased upper limb muscle strength in obese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In general, obesity is a major contributor to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW) individuals present metabolic abnormalities and features of MetS despite having a normal range of body mass index (BMI). In recent years, different subtypes of obesity have been introduced, including metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically obese obese (MOO). Also, it has been reported that vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are possibly linked with MetS. Methods and findings: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25(OH)D, serum PTH, and the risk of metabolic obesity in four subtypes using nationally representative survey data for a Korean population conducted between 2008 and 2010. Of the 29,235 Korean participants, 18,997 subjects aged under 50 years were excluded. Participants with diabetes (n = 1,520), renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2, chronic kidney disease [CKD] stage 3b, 4, and 5 according to KDOQI classification []) (n = 49), history of treatment for osteoporosis (n = 455), insufficient data (n = 1,613), and fasting time less than 8 hours prior to blood collection (n = 771) were excluded for analysis. Ultimately, 5,830 adults (2,582 men and 3,248 women) were eligible for the present study. And, subtypes of obesity were divided into four types: Metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), Metabolically healthy obese (MHO), Metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW), and Metabolically obese obese (MOO). Female subjects with metabolic obesity were more likely to have higher levels of PTH and Male subjects with metabolic health were more likely to have higher serum 25(OH)D levels Conclusion: We concluded that a positive association between serum PTH concentration and metabolic obesity among female subjects and an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the risk of metabolic obesity were found among male subjects. Further prospective studies are necessary to explore the biological mechanisms underlying these sex-specific findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N2O, which is emitted mainly from nitrogen decomposition via bacteria, livestock manure, agricultural fertilizer use, fossil fuel combustion and waste incineration, is classified as a substance that causes significant destruction of the ozone layer. The N2O measurement methods for these emission sources may be divided into chromatography, optical, and electrical current measurements. Chromatography has been widely utilized for analyzing N2O. However, up until now, few studies have been conducted on N2O using photoacoustic spectroscopy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate performance of photoacoustic spectroscopy in this regard based on laboratory and field test results. The repeatability of photoacoustic spectroscopy was measured at 1.12%, which is lower than the repeatability of 3.0% suggested by the ISO 1564 standard, so, it has shown an excellent repeatability. The detection limit was determined to be 0.025 ppm, and the response time was confirmed to be 3 min and 26 s. The results of comparison between these measurements and GC show that the latter has superior accuracy, but mobility and convenience are superior for PAS. On the contrary, GC has a continuous measurement limitation, but PAS makes it possible to conduct continuous measurements. Therefore, PAS can be extremely useful to confirm the characteristics of N2O emissions and to quantify their amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Pravastatin has been reported to elevate circulating adiponectin levels in patients with various insulin resistant state, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed to evaluate whether pravastatin increase serum total and high molecular weight adiponectin levels and improve insulin sensitivity in female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Patients and design: This study was designed as a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, factorial randomized trial (placebo and pravastatin at 20 or 40 mg per day). A total of 73 female patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia were enrolled. Changes in total and high molecular weight (HMW) serum adiponectin levels, the ratio of HMW adiponectin to total adiponectin, insulin sensitivity measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles were evaluated after 16 weeks in each group. Results: Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly reduced after 16 weeks in the pravastatin 20 mg and 40 mg treatment groups compared with the placebo group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). However, there were no significant differences between the 20 mg and 40 mg pravastatin treatment groups in terms of total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin serum levels, as well as insulin sensitivity (P = 0.348 and P = 0.991). Conclusions: In female patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, 16 weeks pravastatin therapy did not affect on serum total adiponectin or HMW adiponectin levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a series of field experiments, emissions of two major greenhouse gases (GHGs), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured using a closed chamber technique in summer 2010 to evaluate the effects of solid beef cattle manure land application techniques. The treatments included a control (C: no manure), two manure application rates (40 and 80 T ha−1), and two injection layers (surface vs. subsurface (5 cm)): (1) 40 T ha−1 on surface (S40), (2) 80 T ha−1 on surface (S80), (3) 40 T ha−1 at subsurface (D40), and (4) 80 T ha−1 at subsurface (D80)). The exchange patterns of CH4 and CO2 in the control were variable and showed both emission and deposition. However, only emissions were seen in the manure treatments. Emissions of CH4 were seen systematically on the ascending order of 5.35 (C), 59.3 (S40), 68.7 (D40), 188 (S80), and 208 μg m−2 h−1 (D80), while those of CO2 also showed a similar trend: 12.9 (C), 37.6 (S40), 55.8 (D40), 82.4 (S80), and 95.4 mg m−2 h−1 (D80). The overall results of our study suggest that the emissions of CH4 and CO2 are affected most noticeably by the differences in the amount of manure application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at greater risk of bone fractures than nondiabetics. However, the risk factors for fractures in patients with diabetes have not been fully evaluated. This study was designed to evaluate the relative frequency of fractures at different sites and the diabetes-associated factors that affect nontraumatic bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients and design This retrospective case-control study recruited 144 patients with type 2 diabetes, who presented with nontraumatic fractures between March 2004 and March 2009 and 150 age-, gender-, body mass index (BMI)- and duration of diabetes-matched control subjects. Nontraumatic fractures were confirmed using patients' medical records and radiological findings. All subjects were examined for their diabetes status and associated factors for fracture, including bone mineral density (BMD). Results Of 150 reported bone fractures, the hip was the most frequent fracture site (32·7%), followed by the upper extremity (19·3%). Nontraumatic fractures were associated with diabetic retinopathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, stroke history, previous fracture and insulin treatment ( P < 0·05). In multivariate analyses, independently associated factors for bone fracture were diabetic peripheral neuropathy [odds ratio (OR) = 37·3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·46-652·57] and previous fracture (OR = 9·54, 95% CI = 1·18-77·37; P < 0·05). Conclusions The hip was the most frequent site of nontraumatic fracture, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with an increased risk of nontraumatic fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells allow derivation of autologous differentiated cells for cell therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiac differentiation potential of mouse iPS cells with embryonic stem (ES) cells and demonstrate that they could produce functional cardiomyocytes. Methods: iPS cells were prepared from mouse embryonic fibroblasts by lentiviral mediated expression of four transcription factors (Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/C-myc). To induce cardiac cell differentiation, iPS-S-6 or D3-ES cells were induced to form embryoid bodies (EBs) using a two-medium culture protocol, then plated onto gelatin-coated plates and maintained in DMEM. Results: Following classification of the generation periods of contracting EBs into early (d8–d11), middle (d12–d15) and late (d16–20), iPS cells in the early period exhibited characteristics similar to ES cells. In iPS cells from the middle period group, the ratio of contracting EBs was significantly increased compared to ES cells, and the difference persisted in cells from the late period group (p<0.05). The percentage of contracting EBs formed from iPS and ES cells were 44.8% and 33.3%, respectively. In addition, iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes exhibited mRNA expression of cardiac mesoderm markers such as GATA4 and NKX2.5, and cardiomyocyte markers such as α1s, α1c, α-MHC, β-MHC, Cx40, TnI, TnT, ANF and Hey2. Single cardiomyocytes exhibited typical cross-striated myofibrillar organization, and electrophysiological studies revealed functional cardiac-specific voltage-gated Na+, Ca2+ and K+ channels. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that functional cardiomyocytes can be generated from iPS cells, and suggest that these cells may be useful for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The drown-out crystallization of sodium chloride is conducted on a DNA-modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). To investigate the crystallization behavior of NaCl on a DNA template, a thiol-modified DNA oligomer is self-assembled on a gold electrode of QCM. The resonant frequency shift and resonant resistance of the DNA-modified QCM are measured with the continuous injection of ethanol in the NaCl saturated solution, and compared with those of a bare QCM without any modification. F–R diagram is interpreted to analyze a detailed mechanism of the QCM response change for the crystallization. An atomic force microscope (AFM) technique is also used to confirm the procedure of the NaCl crystallization on the DNA template. From these results, it is found that the QCM sensor system could be applied to monitor the NaCl crystallization in the aqueous solution, and to detect a super-saturation point or degree. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We show a new fabrication technique of a molecular order thin film utilizing a simple molecular diffusion method. Hydrophilic polymers of different molecular weights are used for the examination. The mechanism and the standard procedure of the technique are analyzed by a quartz crystal microbalance and an atomic force microscope. The results show the molecularly flat nanostructure of the final film can be fabricated by the technique. In our experimental condition, lower molecular weighted hydrophilic polymers (M w<10,000) such as PEG, PVA and PAA are spontaneously self-assembled on mica and gold surfaces. We believe the technique can be useful in many other surface-related studies and applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have fabricated polymer tips for atomic force microscopy in order to elucidate the effects of tip length and shape on cantilever vibration damping in liquids. The vibration damping is investigated by measuring the vibration amplitude of cantilevers as a function of tip–sample distance. The cantilever with a short tip provides a higher damping effect over long tip–sample distances. When the vibration amplitude was rescaled to show the effect of the cantilever width on oscillation damping, the vibration amplitude of cantilevers with various tip lengths was similarly obtained in a long distance range over 50μm. This similarity is explained by an acoustic damping model in which an acoustic wave is generated by the cantilever. Finally, the results indicate a cantilever with a sufficiently long tip compared to the cantilever width can dramatically reduce the long-range damping effect in a liquid environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We fabricated a highly dense protein layer on a self-assembled film of amino acid enantiomers (penicillamine) utilizing a protein-binding interaction to understand the surface structure-induced binding variation. To monitor the self-assembly procedures of the isomers, we modified a previously reported vapor silanization method. The monitoring was conducted by quartz crystal microbalance, surface plasmon resonance and atomic force microscopy techniques. We characterized the assembled surface structure and properties of the isomers using the protein-binding interaction. The results show that a clear difference is existent in the self-assembly procedures and the functionalities of the final films by the molecular chirality. Thus, only one type of the isomers is useful to fabricate a highly dense protein film. In addition, the results show the fabrication of molecularly flat surface relies also on the properties and/or structure of the functional group end of the molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer tip for atomic force microscopy has been fabricated by two-photon adsorbed photopolymerization techniques and has been applied for the high resolution imaging of a hydrophilic metal surface. Using optimized photopolymerization conditions, we have succeeded in fabricating sub-100-nm sized polymer tips. This fabricating resolution of two-photon adsorbed photopolymerization is also confirmed by other supporting experiments. The imaging results show that the capillary-force-induced image distortion can be successfully removed by applying a pure hydrophobic polymer tip with a lateral resolution better than 5nm, which is difficult to achieve with a commercial tip without any environmental control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patient-specific, immune-matched human embryonic stem cells(hESCs) are anticipated to be of great biomedical importance for studiesof disease and development and to advance clinical deliberationsregarding stem cell transplantation. Eleven hESC lines were establishedby somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of skin cells from patients withdisease or injury into donated oocytes. These lines, nuclear transfer(NT)-hESCs, grown on human feeders from the same NT donor or fromgenetically unrelated individuals, were established at high rates,regardless of NT donor sex or age. NT-hESCs were pluripotent,chromosomally normal, and matched the NT patient's DNA. The majorhistocom-patibility complex identity of each NT-hESC when compared tothe patient's own showed immunological compatibility, which is importantfor eventual transplantation. With the generation of these NT-hESCs,evaluations of genetic and epigenetic stability can be made. Additionalwork remains to be done regarding the development of reliable directeddifferentiation and the elimination of remaining animal components.Before clinical use of these cells can occur, preclinical evidence isrequired to prove that transplantation of differentiated NT-hESCs can besafe, effective, and tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different amounts of MgO–CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 (MCAS) glass content are used as the sintering aid of 0.84(mol%)Al2O3–0.16(mol%)TiO2 composition. The sintering characteristics, the crystal structures, and the microwave characteristics of MCAS glass-added 0.84Al2O3–0.16TiO2 ceramics have been investigated under the sintering temperatures of 1200–1350 °C. During the sintering process, the TiO2 and Al2O3 will form the Al2TiO5 phase. The crystal intensity of Al2TiO5 phase increases and that of TiO2 phase decreases with the increase of sintering temperature. In this study, the MCAS glass content and sintering temperature have large effects on the sintering and microwave dielectric characteristics of MCAS glass-added 0.84Al2O3–0.16TiO2 ceramics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] Our previous research showed that N -carboxy-phenylsulfonyl hydrazide (scaffold A) could reduce LPS-stimulated PGE 2 levels in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by an inhibition of mPGES-1 enzyme. However, a number of scaffold A derivatives showed the drawbacks such as the formation of regioisomers and poor liver metabolic stability. In order to overcome these synthetic and metabolic problems, therefore, we decided to replace N -carboxy-phenylsulfonyl hydrazide (scaffold A) with N -carboxy-phenylsulfonamide (scaffold B) or N -amido-phenylsulfonamide frameworks (scaffold C) as a bioisosteric replacement. Among them, MPO-0186 (scaffold C) inhibited the production of PGE 2 (IC 50 : 0.24 μM) in A549 cells via inhibition of mPGES-1 (IC 50 : 0.49 μM in a cell-free assay) and was found to be approximately 9- and 8-fold more potent than MK-886 as a reference inhibitor, respectively. A molecular docking study theoretically suggests that MPO-0186 could inhibit PGE 2 production by blocking the PGH 2 binding site of mPGES-1 enzyme. Furthermore, MPO-0186 demonstrated good liver metabolic stability and no significant inhibition observed in clinically relevant CYP isoforms except CYP2C19. This result provides a potential starting point for the development of selective and potent mPGES-1 inhibitor with a novel scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep duration is an identified risk factor for adverse health outcomes. As the endocrine system is closely intertwined with sleep duration and quality, the association between endocrine dysfunction and sleep has been evaluated. Thyroid function, particularly that related to thyrotropin (TSH), is also known to be influenced by the sleep/awake status and circadian rhythm. Additionally, a link between sleep duration and autoimmunity, which is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction, has been suggested; however, depending on the sleep deprivation method used in studies, the effects of sleep on thyroid function vary. The relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and sleep duration is poorly documented. Thus, to elucidate the impact of sleep on thyroid function, we investigated the association of subclinical thyroid dysfunction with sleep duration using representative data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 2013 to 2015. Methods: In all, 4945 participants (2543 male and 2402 female) were included after excluding subjects using the following criteria: <19 years of age, free T4 level outside the normal range, history of thyroid disease, or incomplete data. The population was classified into three groups: short sleeper (<7 h/day), normal sleeper (7–8 h/day), and long sleeper (>8 h/day). The odds ratio (OR) for subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism according to sleep duration was evaluated. Results: The short, normal, and long sleeper groups consisted of 2097, 2514, and 334 subjects, respectively. On multiple logistic regression analysis, compared to normal sleepers, short sleepers showed a significantly increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism (OR 1.37, 95% confidential interval (CI) 1.02–1.84, p = 0.036), while the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in short sleepers was not elevated. Comparing long sleepers to normal sleepers, the OR for subclinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was 1.79 (95% CI 1.12–2.86, p = 0.015) and 1.91 (95% CI 1.03–3.53, p = 0.039), respectively. Conclusions: Both shorter and longer sleep durations were associated with an increase in the risk of subclinical thyroid dysfunction compared to the optimal sleep duration. This analysis of representative population data shows that sleep duration could intertwine with thyroid function resulting in increased risk of subclinical thyroid dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of calcium ionophore on the fertilization rate of a patient with normozoospermia who nonetheless exhibited a low fertilization rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Design: Case report.Setting: In vitro fertilization center.Patient(s): A male patient whose sperm, though diagnosed as normal by semen analysis, exhibited a severely low fertilization rate in ICSI cycles.Intervention(s): Oocytes were activated by calcium ionophore after ICSI.Main outcome measure(s): Fertilization rate after oocyte activation; ultrastructure and protein expression of the patient''s sperm.Result(s): The fertilization rate of oocytes activated with calcium ionophore (12 of 15, 80.0%) was higher than that of the nonactivated oocytes (4 of 16, 25.0%). Four embryos derived from the activated oocytes were transferred, resulting in a twin pregnancy. Further investigation revealed abnormalities in the patient''s sperm: many nuclear vacuoles were observed and the expression of some proteins was absent.Conclusion(s): Oocyte activation with calcium ionophore was effective at increasing the fertilization rate of dysfunctional sperm characterized by ultrastructural and protein expression anomalies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]